Navi Mumbai stray dog has turned blue. This is why

Mumbai: A stray dog in Navi Mumbai’s Taloja industrial area has mysteriously turned blue and the reason behind it is the untreated industrial wastes which is being released into the Kasadi river. The strays around the place often go into the river in search of food.

The water quality test conducted by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has found the waste treatment at the river inadequate. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) — the concentration of oxygen required to sustain aquatic life — was 80 milligram per litre (mg/L). Levels of chloride, which is toxic harms vegetation, aquatic life and wildlife, were also high. The polluted water can also affect the health of humans in the nearing area. Based on the Central Pollution Control Board guidelines, fish die when BOD level are above 6 mg/L. Levels above 3 mg/L make the water unfit for human consumption.

“After numerous complaints to MPCB over the years, only the stench at Kasadi has reduced. However, the pollution levels continue to be extremely high and dissolved oxygen is negligible,” said Yogesh Pagade, member of a local fishing community who had conducted the study last year.

The fishermen in the area were previously also concerned about the pollution level of the river water. MPCB officials said they had taken cognisance of the complaint. “Allowing the discharge of dye into any water body is illegal. We will take action against the polluters as they are destroying the environment,” said Anil Mohekar, regional officer, MPCB, Navi Mumbai. “We have directed our sub-regional officer to investigate,” he added.